“We want to share all of the diverse heritages represented in the Bay Area in one location on May 9,” said Yucel Durak, Festival Organizer. “By bringing children together, we can learn from other people and develop a true understanding of different cultures on our planet.”

The main focus of the event is to promote the wide diversity of people in the greater San Francisco area through the art of dance and performing arts. The highlight of the dance performances will be a series of Turkish dances as well as Azerbaijan, Bosnian, Scottish, Indian, Hawaiian and even Korean. Local public and dance schools will also have performances.

“The Scottish, Hawaiian and Korean dancers are very popular crowd-pleasers,” Durak said. “I am looking forward to seeing the Turkish, Bosnian and traditional Indian dancers to have a better appreciation of their heritage and culture.”

The big attraction will also be the vendor marketplace – featuring traditional items for sales and of course plenty of tasty food. This year, the 4th Annual International Children’s Festival will feature a special selection of Turkish foods and treats. Some of the tasty menu items include baklava, stuffed grape leaves, traditional manti (Turkish ravioli), kabobs and Turkish coffee. The authentic Turkish food will be available at 12 p.m.

“The different types of Turkish food will be one of the best parts of the event this year,” Durak said. “Food is one thing we all share in common and it’s not only educational, but a lot of fun, to enjoy all the different dishes.”

The entire 4th Annual International Children’s Festival runs from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 9 at Golden Gate Park at 50 Tea Garden Drive. The event takes place at the Music Concourse Bandshell Area grassy area between the Cal Science Academy Museum and the De Young Museum. Attendance is free and open to the public.

For more information on the 4th Annual International Children’s Festival, presented by the Pacifica Institute and co-sponsored by Bay Area Cultural Connections, please call Yucel Durak at 408-747-1478.

Coming off a recent Anatolian Cultures and Food Festival in Orange County that drew more than 30,000 people, more information about the main organizer, Pacifica Institute, can be found on the web at http://www.pacificainstitute.org. Meanwhile, more information about co-sponsor Bay Area Cultural Connections can be found at http://www.baycc.org.